UNIONS protested against a Reform-led council’s U-turn on reopening Doncaster-Sheffield airport, urging councillors to “honour their promise” today.

The TUC, GMB and Unite warned the loss of the Doncaster authority’s support would put the entire project in jeopardy, with thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of regional growth at risk.

The authority recently announced it intends to rescind a £57 million loan to support the airport’s reopening despite describing it as “the jewel in our crown” in the run‑up to the 2025 council elections.

TUC Yorkshire regional secretary Dave Pike said: “Reform looked voters in the face and promised that Doncaster Sheffield Airport would be at the heart of regenerating Doncaster and the wider region. 

“The terms of the loan have not changed since before or after last year’s election so there is no justification for this huge U‑turn.

“Walking away now would mean wasting money already spent, put all those on the line and squandering a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for this region.”

GMB organiser Sarah Barnes said: “It wasn’t long ago workers, unions and politicians fought tooth and nail to save Doncaster-Sheffield airport.

“Now, councillors want to trample all over their dreams and rob South Yorkshire of its international transport hub.”

Unite regional officer Chris Rawlinson said: “While concerns about lease terms should be addressed, withdrawing the £57m loan — as proposed by Reform UK — would risk derailing the entire project. 

“The priority must be to strengthen the deal, not stop it, and Unite will campaign to ensure this crucial investment is delivered.”

The “save our airport” protest was held at the Doncaster-Sheffield site.

Doncaster council was contacted for comment.